--- title: "Network design for 3-star hotel" subject: "Computer Networks and Security" chapter: 1 key: "semester_7/computer_networks_and_security:hotel-network-design" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/computer_networks_and_security/hotel-network-design site: BCT Engineering --- # Network design for 3-star hotel Computer Networks and Security · Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer Network - Asked in: 2072 Kartik, 8 marks - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/computer_networks_and_security/hotel-network-design - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/computer_networks_and_security/chapter-1 ## Question You are assigned to design a network infrastructure for a 3-star hotel. Recommend a network solution with hardware and software in current trend that can be used in the hotel. Make necessary assumptions and justify your recommendation with logical arguments where possible. ## Short answer Use a star topology with a core L3 switch, PoE access switches, dual-band 802.11ac/ax APs, dual ISP firewall, and servers for PMS/DHCP. VLANs separate guest, staff, and system traffic for security and easy management. ## Answer #### Assumptions - 3-star hotel with 5 floors, 60 guest rooms, lobby, restaurant, conference hall, front desk, kitchen, and back office. - About 150 simultaneous guest devices, 30 staff computers, IP cameras, a POS system and IP phones. - 100 Mbps leased fibre Internet connection from an ISP, with a backup 4G/second ISP link. #### Proposed design (star/hierarchical topology) ```text Internet (ISP1 + ISP2) | [Firewall/Router] | [Core L3 Switch]----[Servers] / | \ [Access [Access [Access Sw F1-2] Sw F3-4] Sw F5/Hall] | | | Wi-Fi APs, IP phones, PCs, cameras ``` #### Hardware - Firewall/router with NAT, VPN, and load balancing for two ISPs. - 1 core layer-3 switch (gigabit, VLAN, routing) and 4 to 5 PoE access switches (24 port) using Cat6 UTP in rooms and fibre between floors (backbone). - 20 to 30 dual-band 802.11ac/ax Wi-Fi access points managed by a central WLAN controller. - Servers for property management system (PMS), billing, DHCP/DNS, file/backup and CCTV storage (NVR). - UPS and generator backup, structured cabling and rack. #### Software and services - Property management and booking software; POS in restaurant; IP-PBX for VoIP phones; hotspot with captive portal and login voucher. - Network management, antivirus, firewall rules, and automatic backup. #### VLAN plan | VLAN | Users | |---|---| | 10 | Guest Wi-Fi (internet only, bandwidth limited) | | 20 | Staff and back office | | 30 | PMS/POS servers | | 40 | CCTV and IoT | | 50 | VoIP phones | #### Justification - VLANs separate guest traffic from hotel systems, giving security. - PoE reduces cabling for APs, phones and cameras. - Two ISPs and UPS give high availability, which is essential for a hotel. - Gigabit access and fibre backbone allow future growth (smart rooms, IPTV). - Central controller and captive portal make Wi-Fi easy to manage and secure. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Which topology/structure is proposed for the hotel? A. Single bus cable B. Star/hierarchical with a core L3 switch and access switches C. Ring with no switches D. Fully meshed direct links Answer: B. A hierarchical star design with a core layer-3 switch and floor access switches is proposed. (Key point: Topology) 2. Why use VLANs such as a separate guest Wi-Fi VLAN? A. To make guests part of the server network B. To separate guest traffic from hotel systems for security C. To remove the need for a firewall D. To increase cable length Answer: B. VLANs keep guest traffic away from PMS/POS and staff networks. (Key point: VLAN justification) 3. What is the benefit of PoE access switches? A. Faster fibre B. Reduced cabling because APs, phones and cameras get power through the data cable C. Free Internet D. Removes the need for APs Answer: B. PoE supplies power over the same Ethernet cable. (Key point: PoE) 4. Which provides high availability in the design? A. Single ISP and no backup B. Two ISPs and UPS/generator backup C. Unmanaged hub only D. Using only Wi-Fi Answer: B. A second ISP link and UPS/generator keep service running during failures. 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